It may never snow in Los Angeles, but the American Ballet’s Theatre‘s Annual Holiday Benefit reminds us there is joy in the winter season. The festive holiday evening December 17 at the Beverly Hilton started with a cocktail hour with light bites as guests eagerly waited to be seated for dinner and intimate dance performances.

As the Master of Ceremonies, Jennifer Garner enthusiastically and joyfully orchestrated the flow of the six dance acts. Even leading up to the event, Jen showed her love for the Nutcracker on her Instagram. Dancers like Misty Copeland and Stella Abrera, Sarah Lane, Hee Seo, Christine Shevchenko, Cory Stearns, Isabella Boylston and more showcased various moves and dances, mainly ballet-centric, but ending with a jamboree of sorts using tap and stomping to artfully create a rhythmic melody. The evening offered us an outstanding taste of the Company’s varied repertoire.

While dinner ended and the dessert bar unveiled, the dancers came out to meet the 300 guests and take photos. Notable attendees included Sharon Lawrence, Nigel Lythgoe, Dita Von Teese, Daniel Donigan (Milk on RuPaul), Julie Ann Emery, Lesley Ann Warren, Lotte Verbeek, Haans Nicholas Mott, Ginny Mancini, Shari Loeffler, Sutton Stracke, Sarah Arison, and more.

The night offered a preview of the Harlequinade, which will be playing at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Proceeds from the Holiday Benefit support American Ballet Theatre and its educational programs. For more information, please visit www.abt.org.